Cooking with gas will become more expensive 0 4

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) notes that for households using gas solely for cooking, the distribution fee may increase by an average of €0.60 (excluding VAT) or more per month, depending on consumption levels. For residents using gas for heating, the increase will be approximately up to five euros (excluding VAT) per month.

Although for certain user groups the tariff may decrease, overall, compared to the previous period, an average increase in expenses of 22% is expected compared to the 2021 tariff. This is due to inflation and rising labor costs.

The company "Gaso" states that for households using gas for cooking, the average increase in payment will be about €0.8 (excluding VAT) per month, while for consumers using gas for heating, the payment will decrease on average by one euro (excluding VAT) per month. For large consumers, the reduction in payment may reach an average of 2%. The company expects that the average decrease in the tariff will be approximately 4.4%.

According to "Latvenergo," clients using gas for cooking (3-4 cubic meters per month) will see their bills increase by approximately one euro, while gas heating consumers will experience minor changes or even a decrease in expenses.

The approved PUC tariff maintains differentiation based on annual consumption and connection load. The tariff structure includes variable and fixed components, adapted to consumer habits. The costs of the distribution system operator "Gaso" are relatively less dependent on consumption levels: over 90% of expenses are fixed, so lower consumption does not always mean lower costs. Starting next year, the proportions in the tariffs will change: the variable part will decrease, and the fixed part will increase.

"The variable part is being reduced because the last time its share of expenses in 'Gaso' was reviewed was three years ago, when gas prices were higher. The fixed costs now include what was previously partially covered by the variable part," explained PUC Executive Director Janis Mikelsons.

He added that the 'Gaso' model takes into account that a large number of individual users of gas stoves is only beneficial if they cover their expenses overall.